Gianna's 4th Birthday

Last year, Gianna's party was such a success that her mother decided to hold this year's in the same venue, Charming Pony Parties. In attendance were Gianna's friends from school and the children of Jenny's mommy friends, as well as family.

This is the castle, the only air conditioned spot in the venue. Gianna is in the yellow princess gown; her bestie Brielle is next to her.

Princesses Elsa and Cinderella were there, as was Princess Belle. Gianna was shy but delighted, especially by Elsa, who is her favorite.

Dominic, who is going through his 2-year-old mommy-hold-me stage, was less enthusiastic about being held by Cinderella but managed to hold it together.

Gianna does have that princess pose down pat!

Then the pony rides started. Gianna didn't want to go first; she wanted to see her friends riding before her (in case the ponies were vicious).

While Brielle rode, visiting Aunt Dottie worked on convincing Gianna that riding the pony would be a safe thing to do.

Family friend Chris Wudarski wound up with Dominic, who allowed her to carry him.

Finally, Gianna decided to try it. She didn't even bother with riding side-saddle, despite her princess gown.

Waiting their turn on pony rides.

Meanwhile, Dominic discovered the castle and the toys inside—and went straight for his favorite, the vacuum cleaner. (He loves the real vacuum cleaner at home.)

Being the only air conditioned space, most of the adults found an excuse to visit and hang out for a few, before returning to the Arizona heat outside. L2R: Gianna's cousin Cailey, mommy Jenny, Dominic and Gianna.

Aunt Dottie and Gianna share a goofy moment.

Dominic became unshy when he discovered there were snowcones!

He also loves hats.

Uncle John showed up briefly.

The princesses then went into the body-painting business.

Food included subs from Famous Dave's, and of course, cake!

The Charming Pony people have cleverly brought in cleanup help.

This little fellow is Micah, younger than Dominic.

And here is Gianna's unicorn cake!

Even I got into the party mood.

Then the princesses sang their songs, first Beauty And The Beast and then Le It Go from Frozen, Gianna's favorite song.

Gianna was thrilled with her Beauty and the Beast rose, and explained to me later that Princess Belle gave it to her.

I thought Gianna would sing along wih Let It Go but she just wanted to listen to the princesses sing it (and to play with the rose).

Finally there were rides in the Cinderella pumpkin carriage.

Then the goats showed up. While not eager to be petted as a dog, they did stand patiently still for it.

Dominic's friend loved the smaller goat and couldn't stop kissing it.

Rylan and Dominic are buds so Rylan was a big help in the "where is Dominic" department.